H-TÓNAR - HJÖRTUR HOWSER
+354-662-8600
Musical Compositions
WELCOME TO A WORLD OF MUSIC
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Inside info
ABOUT H-TÓNAR - HJÖRTUR HOWSER
My name is Hjörtur Howser. I am an Icelandic/American musician/composer/teacher/documentary filmmaker/radio personality/restaurant critic and tour guide. I studied music in Iceland, in California and in Stockholm, Sweden.
Welcome to my site.
Music is the language of the soul; something that is created for us to rejoice in. Thankfully, I have the chance to rejoice alongside a broad audience of fellow believers, music lovers, and passionate musicians. Ever since I was young, I've found such joy in making music. I’m committed to sharing that music with people all over the world.
My composing abilities have continued to develop throughout the years, and I’m constantly learning more and more about music. Take a look around the site to get to know me, and listen to my music.
MUSICAL CAPABILITIES
A Cultural Experience
My main instruments are the piano and organ. I use a myriad of keyboards and organs, some as old as myself and some from this decade. In addition I also use the latest software synths and apps. I record using LogicProX, Sibelius 7 and NI's Analog Lab.
I began studying the piano at the age of 7 with a private tutor. Throughout my teens I studied with various teachers and musicians, ranging from classical to jazz to pop, rock and even punk.
At age 20 I travelled to Hollywood to study at Dick Grove's School of Music -
Film Composing and Arranging. Three years later I enrolled at The Electronic Music Department at the Stockholm University to study electronic composition.
As a Film and TV Composer, I love to be able to share what I do with the world.
Throughout my years in the industry, I’ve developed many skills; from composing for film to composing for TV series as well as for jazz and pop groups.
Enjoy the site, and explore all the music I have to offer.
MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout my career, I’ve worked hard to create music that is innovative, fresh and engaging. I strive to understand what it takes to create great music and I go to the furthest lengths to do so. Below. please check out some of the projects I’ve been a part of.
MUSICAL WORKS
From the smaller and simpler tunes to magnificent music on a grander scale, my work has touched audiences across the world. Below, please find some of my recordings. I promise they’ll transport you to another time and place altogether. Enjoy these melodies and arrangements and take a moment to relax.
THE MAGIC HEROES
Ten part mini series "The Magic Heroes" is a children's/family program produced by the renowned magician Einar Mikael. Each episode's theme teaches compassion and care for our fellow man, tackling such issues as schoolyard bullying, difficulty in making new friends and treating animals with kindness.
THE GERFAHVERFI HOSPITAL-SLUM
"The Gerfahverfi Hospital-slum" (Heilsubælið í Gerfahverfi) is an eight episode comedy series produced by Channel-2. It takes place in a not-so-sanitary hospital, run by a would-be dictator, employing doctors of almost non existing standards. Each episode is independent from the rest and hardly any story-line or continuity is to be found - anywhere!
PAPER PETER
Eight part children's TV-series "Paper Peter" (Pappírs Pési) tells the story of a group of kids and their magical friend Peter, who is made of paper. They go for an unexpected flight, compete in a soapbox rally, have complications at school, prank around in the mall and have a run-in with the grumpy neighbour when a UFO crash-lands in his back yard...
A feature film, edited from the TV-series and releashed in 1990, was Iceland's contribution to the 1991 Oscars,
in the Best Foreign Film category.
The Deacon of Dark River
A story of love, beyond the grave. The Deacon of Dark River tells the tale of the young deacon of Myrká-church and his love for Guðrún, who lives on a farm on the far end of the Hörgárvalley. On his return, from inviting her to the Christmas mass, the deacons horse stumbled on the frozen river and the deacon fell to his death. News of this accident did not reach Guðrún so when the deacon showed up to fetch her on Christmas eve, as he had promised, she did not realize he was a ghost. It was only when he could not say her name, the first half of which is the Icelandic word for God, and said Garún instead, that she realized her predicament.
Animated by the renowned visual artist Jón Axel, and scored by Hjörtur Howser and Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
VIDEO SAMPLES
My Channel
Magic Heroes Trailer
IN THE NEWS
COMPOSER WINS AWARD
February 11, 2023
COMPOSER TO WORK WITH CHICAGO SYMPHONY
February 11, 2023
COMPOSERS COLLABORATE FOR A CAUSE
February 11, 2023